Almost put this on the older thread about this, but then realised it was a bit different rather than just a continuation of the last process.
The application for the standard tuktuks in Lincoln was approved last March, but these are electric 'taxi pods', so a slightly different beast.
So strictly speaking they're not 'tuktuks', because that name derives from the noise the more conventional models make?
Three-wheeler taxi pods given green light for Lincolnhttps://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news ... il-4907089It is a UK first
Image: Lincolnshire LiveGetting from A to B in Lincoln city centre could be quicker, fun and greener in the future.
Nippy three-wheeler pods designed to ferry taxi passengers around city have been given the green light by Lincoln City Council's licensing committee.
Zbees, imported from Sweden, are electric, have zero emissions and produce very little noise making them sustainable, economical and practical, said Holla owner Christine Kimbrell.
The compact fibre-glass vehicles have a top speed of almost 28mph.
Operating in a three-mile radius of the city centre, they would extend to Bracebridge Heath and Nettleham - as well as helping the less agile to navigate Steep Hill.
So far, there's a fleet of three, each costing £10,000. They can seat two passengers plus a driver, and have a luggage box at the rear with space for a small suitcase.
She said: "It's so exciting. We'll be the first city in the UK to have these emission-free pod taxis.
"They're a fantastic innovation and fun. I'm sure they will create a buzz around Lincoln."
She believes the quirky form of transport will appeal to local residents, students and tourists alike.
The pods have seatbelts and have undergone extensive road safety tests. There's no doors but on rainy days magnetic door and window screen coverings would be used to shield passengers and the driver from the elements.
Last August Christine got the go-ahead to operate tuk tuks in the city but as Covid-19 dragged on, it gave more time to investigate alternative, safer and less "clunky" modes of transport.
Members of the City of Lincoln Council's licensing committee agreed an application to licence the Zbee three-wheeler as a private hire vehicle on Wednesday, January 20.
This meant a deviation from existing licensing policy to permit the Zbee - which seats two rear passengers with the driver in front - to operate in the city.
The usual licensing requirements for a vehicle to have an engine capacity of not less than 1297 cc and at least four seats were removed.
However, the Zbee must carry an emergency tyre repair kit at all times, in the absence of a spare wheel, and be fitted with retractable and transparent rain coverings.
Another added condition is that a list of drivers' names must be given to the council.
Committee vice-chairman Councillor Loraine Woolley told Lincolnshire Live members were assured that a fully laden electric-powered Zbee would be capable of going uphill and downhill.
Cllr Woolley said: "This will be an asset to the city. We have assurances that it will be able to go up and down the hill.
"The Zbee is zero carbon emissions, which is a positive, whereas the tuk tuk passed last year was not zero emissions."
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